Author Biography: Peter Hughes

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Published:23 June 2017

Last updated: 23 June 2017

Peter Hughes took up the role of New Zealand’s State Services Commissioner and Head of State Services in July 2016.

His career in public service began more than 35 years ago as a clerk with the then Department of Social Welfare. Since then he has been in a variety of roles, ranging from field worker to the top tier of executive management, and has received numerous accolades for his work.

For 10 years Peter was Chief Executive at the Ministry of Social Development, the successor organisation to the agency where he began his career. Before that he was Secretary for Internal Affairs, Chief Executive of the Health Funding Authority and Deputy Director-General of Health. Peter also served as Professor of Public Management and Head of the School of Government at Victoria University of Wellington from 2011.

Before taking on his current role he served as Secretary for Education for three years.

Peter was named Government Department CEO of the year four times by TransTasman Magazine. In 2012 he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the State and in 2013 was voted Wellingtonian of the Year in the Government category.